The LeadersIn Maritime Law

Wrongful Death & Oil Rig Explosions

The United States produces about 1.5 million barrels of oil a day. Since
there are approximately 1,800 oil rigs in America, the U.S. is one of
the largest oil producing nations in the world. Yet while offshore drilling
is necessary, it is also dangerous, and there is simply no getting around that.

According to an investigation by The Wall Street Journal of the Minerals
Management Service:

Between 2004 and 2008 there was an average of 34 deaths per year in the
offshore drilling industry.

Since 2001, 69 oil workers have been killed on the job.

Since 2005, U.S. oil platforms workers have been 4 times more likely to
be killed than a European worker

Between 2004 and 2009, the offshore oil fatality rate in the United States
was 4.84 per 100 million hours worked, while the rate in Europe was only 1.07

According to the U.S. Department of Labor in 2008, fires and explosions
caused 18 deaths in the oil and gas industry. While being an offshore
worker comes with acceptance of risk, it is not acceptable when a company's
negligence results in the loss of life. Between 2001 and 2007 almost 24
percent of oil rig accidents that happened were the result of human error.
When managers and workers fail to communicate, when written procedures
go missing or when procedures that exist aren't enforced, tragedy can strike.

In the words of Attorney Kurt Arnold:

"Oil rig workers face some of the most dangerous working conditions
in the world. That's why companies like Transocean and BP have rules they
must follow to protect every worker. When companies break the rules…families
like his [the deceased] suffer the consequences."

Oil field companies have a duty of care and must take reasonable steps
to protect their workers. It is not enough to have safety policies in
place; these policies must be consistently implemented. If you lost a
loved one as a result of an oil company's carelessness, you should fight
for the compensation your family deserves.

Offshore Drilling Accidents in the Gulf of Mexico

When it comes to offshore drilling accidents, the Gulf of Mexico has had
its share.

In 1964, the C.P. Baker Barge suffered from an explosion followed by a
fire that was said to have encompassed the whole vessel and an area up
to 100 feet around the vessel. 22 workers died as a result.

In 2010, the
Deepwater Horizon, situated about 50 miles southwest of the
Louisiana coast, exploded, resulting in the deaths of 11 workers. No bodies were
recovered.
The Huffington Post recently published a list of the names of the deceased workers along with
short biographies. BP, the company that owned
Deepwater Horizon, was held criminally responsible for not following
government regulations.

Fighting for Just Financial Compensation

If your loved one was killed on a rig which could be towed and was not
affixed to the ocean floor permanently, you can sue for damages under
the Jones Act. This can be a family's best option for receiving rightful
compensation.
The Death on the High Seas Act of 1920 provides compensation if a death occurred beyond three nautical miles
off of the U.S. coastline. This compensation would cover the loss of a
deceased individual's benefits and services.

When your loved one passes away, filing a wrongful death lawsuit allows
you to fight for:

Lost Wages

Loss of Support

Loss of Companionship

Funeral Expenses

Damages for Pain, Suffering & Mental Anguish

If you believe your loved one died because of a big business' negligence,
let Arnold & Itkin investigate your case. Going up against a large
company can be intimidating, but with our skill and experience we will
not cower into a corner. It is not advisable to pursue a wrongful death
lawsuit on your own. Proving that negligence was involved is not enough
to win a wrongful death suit. You must show that the negligence was the
actual cause of the death. You must also show that the victim's death
caused monetary damages.

Contact Arnold & Itkin Today for a Free Case Evaluation

In the wake of a tragedy that claimed your loved one's life, you deserve
an aggressive advocate on your side that can help you receive the financial
compensation you deserve as well as hold the guilty party responsible.
When you are grieving, navigating a wrongful death lawsuit can be difficult,
which is why Arnold & Itkin is here to help. Focus on grieving and
adjusting and let us assist you with pursuing justice and financial restitution!

Arnold & Itkin helped 1/5th of the crew of the Deepwater Horizon and earned high praise for its role
in representing these workers and helping them receive the damages they
deserved.
Click here to watch the testimonials of these past clients. Simply put, we have helped
families recover from maritime tragedies in the past, and we are prepared
to help you get through the hardship you and your family are currently
undergoing.
Contact our office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and if you like, to secure
our hard-hitting legal services!

Two States Take Steps to Ban Offshore Drilling

Case Filed on Behalf of Injured Jones Act Seaman

Case Filed on Behalf of Young Seaman

What is it Like To Work
With Arnold & Itkin

Arnold & Itkin represented nearly a third of the crewmembers injured
in the Deepwater Horizon explosion.

I encountered professionalism, understanding, compassion… lot of compassion.
They really felt for what me and my wife were going through.

~ Deepwater Horizon Crew Member

Work with a lawyer who truly understands Maritime Law.

Because maritime law is so complex and so complicated, it is crucial that
you work with an attorney who has an in-depth understanding of how it
works and who has proven themselves in similar cases before.

Related Maritime Videos

Arnold & Itkin has represented offshore workers nationwide and has recovered billions of dollars. Watch this video to learn how and why that matters.

Arnold & Itkin has achieved record-setting verdicts for offshore workers across the country, representing survivors and victims of the nation’s biggest offshore tragedies.

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

The verdicts and settlements listed on this site are intended to be representative
of cases handled by the maritime lawyers of Arnold & Itkin LLP. These
listings are not a guarantee or prediction of the outcome of any other claims